Zumba Secrets: How to Get a Workout at Da Club This Weekend

It's hard not to be intrigued by Zumba--the popular Latin dance-inspired fitness craze that more than seven-and-half million people have tried worldwide. The name alone is interesting and, lately, it seems like everyone is talking about it.

On top of new versions of the class, including Aqua Zumba and Zumba Toning (more strength-focused), one of the reasons for the buzz is that Zumba Fitness has started offering classes in nightclubs--starting with SOB's in downtown New York City. You literally show up in the evening post-work (generally, around 7 p.m.), a Zumba instructor leads you through a dance party, then you stay, have a drink (doesn't have to be alcohol) and mingle. Count us in!

We talked to Edmee Cherdieu d'Alexis, a Zumba instructor and Group Fitness Manager at Equinox in New York City, to find out how you can tweak your dance party routine (whether it's in your living room or at a local hot spot) to add some bonus fat burning to your weekend fun.

Treat it like an interval workout: A Zumba class can burn 500 to 1000 calories an hour–and so can your average night of dancing. “What makes Zumba such a great workout is that you’re constantly moving,” says Cherdieu d’Alexis. “It’s a cardio workout, but on top of endurance it also improves agility and strengthens your lower body, legs, hips, butt, and thighs, which women love.” If you’re out dancing with your friends, take breaks as you need to–rest, socialize, flirt, whatever–then jump back in. This pattern of raising your heart rate and recovering is a great way to boost your metabolism.

Go big: “Zumba is all about the music and the dancing and having fun,” says Cherdieu d’Alexis. “Try to make your dance movements a little bigger than you usually would and focus on making them crisper. This will make it more intense.” A little bit goes a long way, so don’t feel like you need to flail to the point of freaking out the people around you!

Work on your posture: According to Cherdieu d’Alexis, it’s key to brace your core and be conscious about doing so as you dance. This will not only help you get an abs workout (as you bend forward and back, and rotate side to side), but also make you more agile and light on your feet.

Jump, jump! Everytime you jump, it amps up your heart rate. Generally, people wear sneakers to Zumba classes, however, Cherdieu d’Alexis says that a pair of cute supportive heels (might want to leave the 5-inch stilettos at home) are totally manageable on the dance floor.